A NEW television series kicks off next week with a programme dedicated to Staffin.
In the second series of “Eileanan Fraoich”, Islay-born Heather Dewar leaves the familiarity of her home to embark on her own personal “island odyssey”. She visits Colonsay, Mull, North Uist and Eriskay and also explores the communities South Lochs in Lewis.
The producers have shown remarkably good taste and decided to launch their second series, which visits island communities, in Staffin. The production company Caledonia TV spent two days filming in the district last summer and spoke to Staffin crofters and residents about a variety of issues.
Several local people, including Lachie Gillies and the two Iain MacDonalds in Stenscholl, Janet Lamont, Donnie MacDonald and Sandy Ogilvie in Valtos, and Dugald Ross in Elishadder, were among those interviewed.
Lachie Gillies with presenter Heather Dewar.
BBC ALBA said: “Heather explores the beautiful district of Staffin, an area famed for its striking geology. She takes a trip down to the beach where dinosaur footprints have been discovered and visits the site of an old diatomite quarry. Heather calls in on a local crofter who shows off his impressive collection of vintage tractors and meet the last farmer in Britain to swim his cattle to their winter grazing on Staffin Island.”
It is the latest welcome exposure for Staffin on television, after a recent Ray Mears ITV show at the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr, with the community a hugely popular location for programme and film makers. The Hollywood movie “Macbeth”, starring Michael Fassbender, is also released this year. The cast and crew spent several weeks filming in Staffin last year.
The Staffin Trust is delighted at the national exposure and promotion Staffin will enjoy from “Eileanan Fraoich”, with the visitor season fast approaching.
The 30-minute programme starts at 8.30pm on Thursday, March 5.